Five new Alfa Romeo franchises to open in Michigan

The steering wheel of an Alfa Romeo 4C sports car at the 2014 New York International Auto Show on April 17. The 4C went on sale last year in Europe and is a key part of the brand's strategy to return to the U.S. as part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, the company being formed by the combination of Fiat SpA and Chrysler Group LLC.

Five of 86 new Alfa Romeo franchises awarded across the U.S. and in Canada are in Michigan.

Chrysler Group LLC drew the pool of dealers from existing Fiat and Maserati brand dealers, it said in a release.

The dealers will be the first to sell the 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C coupe and limited-edition 4C Launch Edition when the iconic Italian sports car brand returns to the North American market this year, Chrysler said.

The carmaker said it plans to award additional Alfa Romeo franchises later this year, noting the Alfa Romeo dealer network is expected to grow to more than 300 North American franchises.